The preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) of Australia at 31 December 2016 was 24,385,600 people. This is an increase of 372,800 people since 31 December 2015, and 78,400 people since 30 September 2016.

The preliminary estimate of natural increase for the year ended 31 December 2016 (152,600 people) was 6.5%, or 9,300 people higher than the natural increase recorded for the year ended 31 December 2015 (143,300 people).

The preliminary estimate of net overseas migration (NOM) for the year ended 31 December 2016 (209,000 people) was 16.5%, or 29,700 people higher than the net overseas migration recorded for the year ended 31 December 2015 (179,300 people).

POPULATION GROWTH RATES

Australia's population grew by 1.6% during the year ended 31 December 2016.

Natural increase and NOM contributed 40.9% and 56.0% respectively to total population growth for the year ended 31 December 2016 with intercensal difference accounting for the remainder.

All states and territories recorded positive population growth in the year ended 31 December 2016.

Victoria recorded the highest growth rate of all states and territories at 2.4%. The Northern Territory recorded the lowest growth rate at 0.3%.